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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2004; 6(6): 746-754
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-821269
Original Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Leaf Traits and Herbivory Rates of Tropical Tree Species Differing in Successional Status

L. Poorter1 , 2 , 3 , M. van de Plassche1 , S. Willems1 , R. G. A. Boot1 , 2
  • 1Department of Plant Ecology, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80084, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • 2Programa Manejo de Bosques de la Amazonía Boliviana (PROMAB), Casilla 107, Riberalta, Bolivia
  • 3Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group, Wageningen University, P.O. Box 47, 6700 AA Wageningen, The Netherlands
Further Information

Publication History

Received: April 20, 2004

Accepted: July 27, 2004

Publication Date:
20 October 2004 (online)

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Abstract

We evaluated leaf characteristics and herbivory intensities for saplings of fifteen tropical tree species differing in their successional position. Eight leaf traits were selected, related to the costs of leaf display (specific leaf area [SLA], water content), photosynthesis (N and P concentration per unit mass), and herbivory defence (lignin concentration, C : N ratio). We hypothesised that species traits are shaped by variation in abiotic and biotic (herbivory) selection pressures along the successional gradient. All leaf traits varied with the successional position of the species. The SLA, water content and nutrient concentration decreased, and lignin concentration increased with the successional position. Herbivory damage (defined as the percentage of damage found at one moment in time) varied from 0.9 - 8.5 % among the species, but was not related to their successional position. Herbivory damage appeared to be a poor estimator of the herbivory rate experienced by species, due to the confounding effect of leaf lifespan. Herbivory rate (defined as percentage leaf area removal per unit time) declined with the successional position of the species. Herbivory rate was only positively correlated to water content, and negatively correlated to lignin concentration, suggesting that herbivores select leaves based upon their digestibility rather than upon their nutritive value. Surprisingly, most species traits change linearly with succession, while resource availability (light, nutrients) declines exponentially with succession.

Key words

Defence - herbivory - leaf traits - secondary succession - shade tolerance - tropical rain forest.

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L. Poorter

Forest Ecology and Forest Management Group
Wageningen University

P.O. Box 47

6700 AA Wageningen

The Netherlands

Email: lourens.poorter@wur.nl

Editor: J. T. M. Elzenga